Yes We Can!
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What is the Nakbah
The Nakbah, which means "catastrophe" in Arabic, refers to the mass displacement and dispossession of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian Arabs during the 1948 Palestine war. The Nakbah occurred as a result of the establishment of the State of Israel and the subsequent Arab-Israeli conflict.
During this period, around 700,000 Palestinians were forced to flee or were expelled from their homes and villages. Many were displaced internally within Palestine, while others fled to neighboring countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt. The Nakbah led to the creation of a significant Palestinian refugee population, which still exists today, with their descendants numbering in the millions.
The Nakbah represents a significant event in the collective memory and history of the Palestinian people and is viewed as a profound tragedy, marking the loss of their homeland and the disruption of their lives, society, and culture. The Nakbah continues to be a central issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and remains a point of contention in negotiations for a just and lasting resolution.
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the boys shaking watching
whole bodies that were homes
turned inside out on
purpose crops wasted
the occupier harvests ripe sons
the youngest ones play search
& bury their ancient eyes
tell it
—Suheir Hammad
Shimon Perez Visa Application for Palestine
Statement from Brown University student Hisham Awartani who was seriously injured in a hate crime in Vermont.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/30aIofAkBkdkmUH5SsJu0J?si=iVsgq4afSLeHErRCv5XrQA&t=2346
US Presidential candidate talking about using Bitcoin to send money to a friend in Gaza 🕊️
Girl writes Hamas about her treatment in captivity.
Tell me about efforts to preserve and promote Palestinian cultural identity.
Efforts to preserve and promote Palestinian cultural identity are widespread and play a crucial role in maintaining Palestinian heritage and heritage sites. Despite various challenges and obstacles, Palestinians have made significant efforts to preserve their cultural identity, including:
1. Cultural Institutions: Organizations such as the Palestinian Heritage Foundation and cultural centers like Yafa Cultural Center in Palestine work to preserve Palestinian cultural identity by documenting, archiving, and promoting traditional arts, crafts, music, folklore, and storytelling.
2. Revival of Traditional Arts: There are ongoing efforts to revive traditional Palestinian arts and crafts, such as embroidery, pottery, calligraphy, and woodworking. Local artisans and organizations are actively engaged in training new generations to carry on these skills and incorporate them into contemporary designs.
3. Cultural Festivals: Festivals, such as the Palestinian Heritage Festival in Jerusalem, Nablus Cultural Festival, and the Olive Harvest Festival, celebrate Palestinian culture, art, music, dance, and cuisine. These events provide platforms for artists, musicians, and performers to showcase their talents and keep Palestinian traditions alive.
4. Preservation of Historical Sites: Palestinians are committed to preserving historical and archaeological sites that bear witness to their heritage. Organizations like Riwaq Center for Architectural Conservation work diligently to restore and conserve historical buildings, mosques, churches, and other structures, maintaining their architectural and cultural significance.
5. Cultural Education and Research: Palestinian educational institutions, including universities and research centers, offer programs and courses focused on Palestinian history and culture. This ensures that future generations have a deep understanding of their heritage, language, and identity.
6. Diaspora Engagement: Palestinian communities in the diaspora make vital contributions to preserving and promoting Palestinian cultural identity. Organizations such as the Palestinian American Cultural Center and the Palestinian Community Association in the UK organize cultural events, language classes, and exhibitions to reconnect Palestinians living abroad with their roots.
7. Online Platforms: The digital age has opened up new avenues for preserving and promoting Palestinian cultural identity. Websites, blogs, and social media pages dedicated to Palestinian culture, history, music, and art enable Palestinians worldwide to share and learn about their heritage.
8. Media and Film: Palestinian filmmakers and artists have documented and portrayed Palestinian culture through films, documentaries, and other forms of media. These works provide an insight into Palestinian traditions, struggles, and aspirations, helping to preserve and promote cultural identity globally.
These efforts, among others, demonstrate the determination of Palestinians to preserve and celebrate their unique heritage, despite the challenges they face.
How many Palestinian refugee camps are there?
There are currently 58 recognized Palestinian refugee camps spread across the Middle East, including 10 in the West Bank, 8 in Gaza Strip, 12 in Jordan, 9 in Lebanon, and 19 in Syria. These camps were established to accommodate Palestinian refugees who were displaced during the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict and subsequent events. It's important to note that the living conditions in these camps vary, but they generally face challenges regarding overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to basic services.
Historic timeline of the conflict in Palestine.
The conflict in Palestine is a complex and long-standing issue that has its roots in the early 20th century.
Here is a brief overview of the history:
1. Ottoman Rule: From the early 16th century until World War I, Palestine was part of the Ottoman Empire. The majority of the population was Arab Muslims, with significant communities of Arab Christians and Jews.
2. British Mandate: After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Britain occupied Palestine under a League of Nations mandate in 1920. Initially, they pledged to establish a national home for the Jewish people while respecting the rights of the Arab majority.
3. Zionist Movement: The modern Zionist movement emerged in the late 19th century, advocating for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Jewish immigration to Palestine increased under British rule, leading to tensions with the Arab population.
4. Arab-Jewish Clashes: In the 1920s, communal violence broke out between Arab and Jewish communities. The British attempted to limit Jewish immigration and land acquisitions, exacerbating tensions.
5. United Nations Partition Plan: In 1947, the United Nations proposed a partition plan that would create separate Jewish and Arab states in Palestine, along with an international administration for Jerusalem. The plan was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by Arab states and Palestinian Arab leaders.
6. Israeli Independence: Following the UN partition plan, the State of Israel was established on May 14, 1948, and immediately faced an invasion by surrounding Arab states aiming to prevent its creation. This conflict resulted in an Israeli victory and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian Arabs.
7. Palestinian Refugees: The 1948 war resulted in a significant number of Palestinian Arabs becoming refugees, either fleeing or being expelled from their homes. The issue of Palestinian refugees remains a core aspect of the conflict today.
8. Six-Day War: In 1967, Israel launched a preemptive strike against Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, capturing the West Bank, Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem, the Sinai Peninsula, and the Golan Heights. The occupation of these territories has since been a major point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
9. Oslo Accords and Peace Process: In 1993, Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) signed the Oslo Accords, aiming to achieve peace and establish the Palestinian Authority in parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. However, the peace process has faced many obstacles and has not yet resulted in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
The history of the conflict is highly complex and has seen ongoing violence, negotiations, and diplomatic efforts. Its resolution remains a significant challenge for the international community.
Did you know Israel passed a law to ban and criminalize Palestinians from harvesting za'atar (hyssop), akoub (gundelia) & sage (maramiya)– wild herbs used in traditional Palestinian cuisine for centuries?
What's the "Nakba" mean?
The term "Nakba" refers to the catastrophic event that occurred in 1948, when the state of Israel was established and hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were forcibly displaced from their homes and became refugees. The word "Nakba" itself is an Arabic term meaning "catastrophe" or "disaster." The Nakba represents a significant turning point in Palestinian history and remains a deeply poignant and painful experience for Palestinians to this day.